Monday, February 19, 2007

The Spec

Sorry, it's been a while - work and stuff. Who am I kidding? Actually it's because I'm infatuated with a beautiful blonde who fucks like a porn star. Fortunately I gave her my real name so she won't be reading this.

Anyhooo enough of my problems! The most important thing in your original spec is VOICE. No one knows what it is, but everyone knows it when they see it. Don't copy styles. No matter how much you like Black or Tarrentino you are not them. You are you.

Good Eds and producers are attracted to confident voices. That equates to writers who know what they're doing, do it well and don't give a crap about marketing. Then comes the meeting. At that stage they will decide if you are worth a punt to write on a show. And that is where you have to make your decision. Are you a writer who can assimulate a show? Think about it carefully because if you are an unproduced writer the chances of your spec being produced are slim to nil. That's just the way it is.

Assimulating a show means altering your voice to match that of the show. Some can, some can't. If you can't that doesn't mean you're not a good writer. Osmosis is a particular skill. But to be a pro writer osmosis is a skill worth having.

lol will and chris.No more details, she may read this at some point!Chris you are right. It is for readers to decide. To me, voice is the way you bring your characters to life and make the story unfold. Shane Black's style is his asides, but his voice is in his character work and pace.

Links

About Me

Pappa was a rolling stone and Momma had a squeezebox. Well, not really.
I've written for a lot of the usual suspects for a jobbing writer in the UK. One day I'll grow up and write something I actually want to.